North Isaan and the Mekong, Private Tour
Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through Thailand's North Isaan region and along the Mekong River with this private tour. Begin your adventure in the serene landscapes of Khao Kho, where gentle mountains and lush pine forests await. Discover the historic charm of Chiang Khan, with its picturesque teakwood houses and tranquil atmosphere along the Mekong riverbank. Explore Nong Khai, a vibrant gateway to the Isaan region, and experience the cultural richness of Udon Thani, home to a thriving ex-pat community. This tour offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and relaxation, with highlights including visits to Phra Prang Sam Yot, Wat Pha Son Kaew, and Phu Ruea National Park. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, guided tours, and delicious meals as you immerse yourself in the beauty and heritage of Thailand's northeast. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : BANGKOK – LOPBURI – KHAO KHO (450km – 6 hrs)
Location: Bangkok, Lopburi, Phra Prang Sam Yot, Lopburi, Khao Kho, Wat Phra Thad Pha Sorn Kaew, Khao Kho
Accommodation Name: Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Begin the journey with an early pick-up from your hotel in Bangkok. Drive to Lopburi to visit Phra Prang Sam Yot, the city’s best-known landmark and the symbol of the province. This former Hindu shrine was built in the 13th century in the classic Bayon style of Khmer architecture. The compound comprises three towers linked by corridors. In the 17th century, the shrine was converted into a Buddhist temple, and a hall was built to house a grand Buddha image. Continue towards the north, passing Phetchabun to arrive at the Khao Kho District. Visit Wat Phra Thad Pha Sorn Kaew, founded in 2004 as a Dharma practice centre and located on a hilltop, amid mountains. The centre has a peaceful atmosphere and boasts over five million mosaic tiles. Visit also the hilltop cave where many villagers used to see a flying marble hovering in the sky, believing it was Buddha’s spirit. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Overnight in Khao Kho.
Day 2 : KHAO KHO – PHU RUEA NATIONAL PARK – LOEI – CHIANG KHAN (240km – 4 hrs)
Location: Khao Kho, Pha Sorn Kaew, Phu Ruea National Park, Ban Na Aor, Chiang Khan, Khaeng Khut Khu
Accommodation Name: Chiangkhan River Mountain or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Start today with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to a beautiful British-style flower garden, featuring an idyllic setting with panoramic views of the Great Mountain, ‘Pha Sorn Kaew’. Our next stop is the famous Phu Ruea National Park, located in the district of Loei, one of the coldest provinces of Thailand. The northern part of the park shares a border with Laos. Its hills contain the headwaters of many rivers in Loei. The highest peak in the park, Phu Ruea, reaches 1,365 meters above sea level and the summit offers a good viewpoint of the Huang and Mekong rivers. Due to the cool climate, the area is rich in orchids which flower throughout the year. Stop on the way for an optional coffee break, before continuing to Ban Na Aor, the cultural village that preserves the ancient Thai-Loei culture and houses. Afterwards, travel to the local town of Chiang Khan. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River during sunset. Then, visit the local market that comes to life every night at Khaeng Khut Khu, and indulge in the culinary delights of Chiang Khan. Taste ma prao Kaew (wok-fried strips of coconut with a sugar glaze), as well as the dark brown coconut sugar and roasted peanuts. You can also try small, deep-fried river prawns served with cucumber dipping sauce, or mixed in a fiery salad with chilli, garlic and lime. Lunch is included.
Overnight in Chiang Khan.
Day 3 : CHIANG KHAN – NONG KHAI (200km – 3.5 hrs)
Location: Chiang Khan, Wat Sri Khun Muang, Wat Pha Tak Sua, Sri Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Accommodation Name: Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Wake up early to join the locals who practise the Buddhist tradition of offering sticky rice to monks during their morning alms rounds. Ride a bike along the riverside promenade to Chiang Khan Walking Street to be in front of the temple early in the morning. Visit Wat Sri Khun Muang or Wat Yai, one of the most important religious buildings, and see the ancient monastery admiring its descending roof in the Lanna style. The wall paintings in the monastery tell the story of Buddha's ten existences. Return to your hotel to enjoy a tasty breakfast and a wonderful sunrise on the river banks. After check-out, we continue along the Mekong River, on one of the most scenic roads in Thailand. We make a stop at Wat Pha Tak Sua to admire the views from the 16-meter-long skywalk, hanging over a cliff and featuring glass floors and walls. Continue the drive, and enjoy a photo stop at the viewpoint in Sri Chiang Mai before you reach Mueang Nong Khai. This bustling Thai town serves as the gateway to Laos and Vientiane, and it is located only 20 kilometres away from the border. Nong Khai is the ideal representation of the beautiful Isaan culture. Known for its kindness, the culture has evolved from its mixture of Thai and Laotian heritage and now dominates northeast Thailand, having a distinct identity from the rest of the country. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the small city as the sun sets behind the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Lunch included.
Overnight in Nong Khai
Day 4 : NONG KHAI –DEPART UDON THANI (70km – 1.5 hrs)
Location: Nong Khai, Tha Sadet Market, Sala Kaew Ku, Ban Chiang, Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre, Udon Thani
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then hop aboard a boat for an approximately 90-minute trip along the Thai side of the River Mekong. Make a stop to the Tha Sadet Market, the epicentre for local trade between this region of Thailand and neighbouring Laos. The market here is often called the ‘Indochina Market’ because the goods sold are primarily sourced from across various regions, but there are also a lot of local products on offer. Depart from Nong Khai and visit the Sala Kaew Ku sculpture park, containing an impressive collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. Although not a temple, the park is known colloquially as Wat Khaek (‘Indian Temple’) and some of the sculptures are 25 metres high. Continue to Ban Chiang, an archaeological site in the Nong Han District, Udon Thani, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discovered in 1966, the centuries-old site is known for its attractive red painted pottery. The last stop of the day is the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre, opened in 2013, aiming to preserve the art, culture, lifestyle, and philosophical principles of the ancestors of today’s Udon Thani Thai-Chinese community. The delicate central garden imitates the Chinese style and has the theme of '24 manners of gratitude, the garden of a thousand-year-old morality'. We end the trip with a drop-off at the airport or railway station to continue with your individual travel plans. Breakfast and lunch included.
What's Included
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Tour Guide
The tour is operated with an English-speaking guide. Guides speaking Italian, French, German, or Spanish are available at an additional cost.
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Transport
Air-conditioned private transportation and transfers are provided as stated in the programme.
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Entrance Fees and Activities
All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, such as visits to Phra Prang Sam Yot, Wat Pha Son Kaew, botanic garden, Phu Ruea National Park, Ban Na Aor cultural village, bike tour, almsgiving, boat trip on the Mekong, Wat Sri Khun Mueang, Sala Kaew Kou, Ban Chiang, and the Thai-Chinese cultural centre. ...more ...less
What's Not Included
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Personal Expenditures
Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks, and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme are not included.
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Gratuities
Gratuity for the driver and guide is not included.
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Optional Tours
Optional tours are not included in the package.
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Flights and Visa Fees
International or domestic flight tickets, airport taxes, and visa fees are not included.
Requirements
Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.Please Note
- Day 1: The tour starts at 7:00 am so we recommend booking a hotel stay in Bangkok as it is not included
- Day 4: Drop off at Udon Thani airport or train station. (Recommended departure flight from Udon Thani after 19:30 hrs, or overnight train from Udon Thani to Bangkok departure at 19:59 hrs, not included)
- We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
- Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
- In many hotels in Thailand, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
- No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed
Accommodation options
Day 1 Khao Kho
- Standard Hotel Category = Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort or similar 3.5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Chiangkhan River Mountain or similar 4*
- Standard Hotel Category = Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel or similar 3.5*
Pre-night in Bangkok
- Superior Hotel Category = Century Park or similar 4*
Mode of Transport
Travel in comfort with air-conditioned private transportation and transfers as outlined in the program, ensuring a seamless journey through the scenic landscapes of Thailand.Accommodation
Enjoy 3 nights of comfortable accommodation in standard hotel categories, including the Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort in Khao Kho, Chiangkhan River Mountain in Chiang Khan, and Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel in Nong Khai. Optional pre-night stay in Bangkok at Century Park Hotel is available.Accommodation options
Day 1 Khao Kho
- Standard Hotel Category = Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort or similar 3.5*
- Standard Hotel Category = Chiangkhan River Mountain or similar 4*
- Standard Hotel Category = Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel or similar 3.5*
Pre-night in Bangkok
- Superior Hotel Category = Century Park or similar 4*
Check out our Q&As
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What languages are available for the tour guide?
The tour is operated with an English-speaking guide. Guides speaking Italian, French, German, or Spanish are available at an additional cost.
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights of accommodation. On Day 1, you will stay at the Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort or a similar 3.5-star hotel in Khao Kho. On Day 2, accommodation is at the Chiangkhan River Mountain or a similar 4-star hotel in Chiang Khan. On Day 3, you will stay at the Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel or a similar 3.5-star hotel in Nong Khai. ...more ...less
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 3 breakfasts and 4 lunches.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides air-conditioned private transportation and transfers as stated in the programme.
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Are entrance fees and activities included in the tour?
Yes, all entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included. This includes visits to Phra Prang Sam Yot, Wat Pha Son Kaew, a botanic garden, Phu Ruea National Park, Ban Na Aor cultural village, a bike tour, almsgiving, a boat trip on the Mekong, Wat Sri Khun Mueang, Sala Kaew Kou, Ban Chiang, and the Thai-Chinese cultural centre. ...more ...less
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts with a pick-up from your hotel in Bangkok.
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Where does the tour end?
The tour ends with a drop-off at the Udon Thani airport or railway station.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes cultural experiences such as visiting Ban Na Aor cultural village, participating in almsgiving with locals, and exploring the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
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Is there any option for solo traveller?
Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
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When are there specific hotel names confirmed?
Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
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What does the price include?
What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
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Are flights included in the tour?
No, they are not included
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Are Visa fees included in the price?
No, visa fees are not included
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Do you offer any travel insurance?
We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.
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Low Deposit
Destination Services Thailand requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services thailand charges.
Up to 16 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
North Isaan and the Mekong, Private Tour
4 Days Starting in Bangkok, Thailand and ending in Udon Thani, Thailand
Visiting: Bangkok, Lopburi, Phra Prang Sam Yot, Lopburi, Khao Kho, Wat Phra Thad Pha Sorn Kaew, Khao Kho, Pha Sorn Kaew, Phu Ruea National Park, Ban Na Aor, Chiang Khan, Khaeng Khut Khu, Wat Sri Khun Muang, Wat Pha Tak Sua, Sri Chiang Mai, Nong Khai, Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, Tha Sadet Market, Sala Kaew Ku, Ban Chiang, Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre, Udon Thani ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
422522
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
10-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat
